Current Literature
When, in September, 1934, Frank Lenwood, the subject of this memoir
(S.C.M. Press, 3s. 6d.), perished on the Aiguille d'Argentieres, there passed away one of the most remarkable men of this generation. His talents were great and varied, but they were all devoted to one end, the service of God and the improvement of men. His energy was astonishing and tireless. - Beginning as a scholar and professor, he became in turn a Congregational pastor, a missionary, an administrator, and finally a pastor once more ; and in every post he showed the same vigour., No illness stopped him, and hindrances but stimulated him. Of all his activities the latest was the most striking. This student and theologian undertook the care of a tumble-down barn-like church in Plaistow. This church had 145 in hand, 27 of which had been collected in farthings. Lenwood determined to build something better. , For half a year, five nights a week, three hours a night, the men of the church worked themselves, under a foreman who was one of their. number. The hardest and most dan- gerous work Lenwood took on his own shoulders. He was to be seen on the roof or pushing barrows of cement. Still more, he personally undertook and carried through the raising of the 22,500 required. One point is worth special record. In Lenwood's latter years he ceased to believe in the divinity of Christ, whom he preached thenceforward as Leader rather than Lord. This change made no difference whatever to his spiritual devotion, and seems to have increased his influence with his congre- gation. But a man of his kind, truly democratic, human, and transparently honest, would have influence whatever his opinions might be.
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